Left-wing activists from the 'Standing Together' organization blocked the entrance to the Religious Zionism party headquarters in Shoham on Wednesday morning, trapping party workers inside, according to the party and Israeli media. The party claimed activists attempted to forcibly enter the building. Police arrived at the scene and the activists left shortly after, with police sources describing the incident as a 'legitimate protest' and denying a break-in.
On Wednesday morning, left-wing activists associated with the 'Standing Together' (עומדים ביחד) organization converged on the Religious Zionism party headquarters in Shoham, a community in central Israel. According to the party, activists attempted to forcibly enter the building while shouting slogans including 'Arabs want to live' and displaying imagery described as 'blood on hands.' Party employees were instructed to remain inside their offices and were described as 'besieged.'
Amit Segal (N12) reported that activists from Standing Together were barricading the entrance. Police arrived at the scene, and by approximately 10:34 a.m., according to a Ynet desk report, the activists had been cleared from the premises. The party later confirmed that after police arrival, the activists left. Police sources told Channel 14 that they viewed the incident as 'legitimate protest' and denied a break-in, though they said the party could file a complaint if it wished.
The Religious Zionism party issued a statement condemning the incident, saying: 'The incitement of Yair Golan and his friends, and the silence of Gadi Eisenkot against the settlers, are bearing fruit in the field. We demand that the police investigate the incident and ensure the safety of party workers in Israel. There is no place for violence in the political arena.' The party also called on opposition leaders to condemn 'extreme left violence.'
The incident comes amid heightened political friction, as The Zioneer reported earlier on Wednesday. The headquarters of the Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has been a focal point of protest due to the party's central role in the coalition and its policies regarding Judea and Samaria.
15 developments
Source and signal
- Open-source intake